Description
A creamy and savory cheeseburger-inspired pasta dish made with ground beef, macaroni, and melty cheddar cheese, packed with flavor and easy to prepare in one pot for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 12 ounces macaroni, uncooked (or other pasta such as shells)
Liquid & Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Herbs
- 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onions: Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for approximately 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink.
- Mix seasonings: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the meat mixture, followed by dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked macaroni, then pour in the chicken or beef broth and milk. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Cook and absorb: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Add cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Final melt: Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for about 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat to room temperature before serving.
- For freezing, cool the dish completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add an extra splash of milk or a small amount of cream when reheating.
- You can customize the pasta type or add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 746 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 695 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
